Today's Premier League match between Stoke City and West Ham was delay because of a power failure at the bet365 Stadium.

All but the stadium's emergency lighting was lost just before 2pm, with the club saying a power surge was responsible. Power was restored about 45 minutes later, leaving thousands of fans still marooned outside the ground.

Police issued a statement via Twitter saying: "The power is back on and the game will commence once all supporters are in the stadium. Confirmation of kick off time will be given in 20mins."

The club later confirmed that the match would start an hour late at 4pm, while police said West Ham fans with pre-booked tickets back to London would have them honoured.

Fans are stuck outside the bet365 Stadium due to a power cut prior to the Premier League match between Stoke City and West Ham. (Image: Mike Egerton)

Both of the stadium's two generators failed, also disrupting the mains supply. That meant there was no power for the stadium floodlights or turnstiles.

Although some turnstiles started operating again, fans reported that others in the DPD Stand were still not working and complained about a lack of information from the club.

Stoke were keen for the game to go ahead with Mark Hughes' struggling team needing points to move away from the Premier League relegation zone.